have worked hard and performed a valuable service(láo kǔ gōng gāo)

have worked hard and performed a valuable service

The Chinese idiom, pronounced L á OK ǔ g ō NGG ā o, is used to describe hard work and great contribution. More to comfort and praise others. It comes from the historical records of Xiang Yu by Sima Qian of the Western Han Dynasty.

Analysis of Idioms

[synonym] boundless merit, public hanging bamboo and silk [antonym] futile, futile

The origin of Idioms

In the Western Han Dynasty, Sima Qian's historical records, Xiang Yu's biography, it is said that "it's hard work and high achievements. There is no reward for being a marquis. But listen to the details and want to punish those who have made great contributions. This is the continuation of Qin's death."

Idiom story

At the end of the Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang led his troops to capture Xianyang, the capital of the Qin Dynasty, and then he stationed at Hangu pass. Xiang Yu heard that Liu Bang had captured Xianyang, so he was very angry and gave a banquet at Hongmen to invite Liu Bang. During the dinner, Xiang Zhuang danced his sword and wanted to kill Liu Bang. Fan Kuai quickly drew his sword and said to Xiang Yu, "Duke Pei is waiting for the arrival of the king, but you are going to kill such a man who has worked so hard and achieved so much?"

Idiom usage

Combined; as predicate and attribute; with commendatory meaning. Chapter 108 of the chronicles of the states of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty: "Wang Benjie wrote to Xianyang, and the king of Qin was very happy. He gave Wang Ben a handwritten letter, which said: once the general came out, he equaled the Yan Dynasty, and galloped for more than 2000 miles. Fang Zhi was his father, and he was equally diligent and accomplished." This is the last five minutes of the decisive battle! This group of "Heroes" who have worked hard and made great achievements, holding the "cup of victory" with trembling hands, can't help but feel a little confused. ——Chapter 15 of "Midnight" by Mao Dun and Chapter 8 of "sequel to the cause of crying and laughing" by Zhang Henshui: "this evening, her mother will have a detailed talk with her. Maybe she will know that I will be moved by her hard work. “

Chinese PinYin : láo kǔ gōng gāo